A demonstration in Umeå supporting Palestine has sparked outrage after effigies dressed in concentration camp attire were displayed. The incident, which has been reported to the police as incitement against an ethnic group, has drawn strong criticism from political leaders, including KD leader Ebba Busch and others, who condemn the trivialization of the Holocaust.
Controversial Palestine Demonstration in Umeå Sparks Outrage
Controversial Palestine Demonstration in Umeå Sparks Outrage
A demonstration in support of Palestine in Umeå has provoked strong reactions. Two effigies dressed in striped pajamas, adorned with the Star of David and prisoner numbers, were hung in nooses, with a person wearing a Palestinian scarf seated in front.
The police have filed a report of incitement against an ethnic group following the incident. "Diminishing and mocking the Holocaust is completely unacceptable," writes KD leader Ebba Busch on X.
The image of the effigies from the demonstration was posted on "Umeå for Palestine's" social media but was later removed.
The police confirm that at least one report has been filed regarding the incident.
"The classification is incitement against an ethnic group. We have initiated a preliminary investigation, but so far, there are no suspects," says police spokesperson Maria Linné.
Above the effigies hangs a banner with the words "a genocide is a genocide is a genocide." In front of them sits a person in a Palestinian scarf, their face covered by the scarf.
Strong Reactions
The demonstration has sparked strong reactions on social media. Christian Democrats leader Ebba Busch writes on X that the incident "crosses all boundaries."
"Diminishing and mocking the Holocaust is completely unacceptable. (...) Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of our democracy. But the parliament has also decided that the right to demonstrate comes with certain conditions. Incitement against an ethnic group is not allowed—even during demonstrations."
Anders Ågren (M), opposition municipal councilor in Umeå, writes that it is "abhorrent."
"Another boundary crossed. Umeå has repeatedly been highlighted by national media—both Expressen and DN—for issues with antisemitism," he writes on X.
Liberal Gulan Avci writes on X:
"A pro-Palestinian demonstration that calls for the hanging of Jews. Horrible."
Christian Carlsson, a member of parliament for KD, writes that "the threatening symbolism is vile."
"It is possible to criticize Israel without alluding to the Holocaust, so stop it. It is utterly despicable that Jews in Sweden are met with this."
Former Moderate MP Richard Herrey also writes that "enough is enough":
"If this isn't incitement and threats against Jews/ethnic groups, then nothing is. This has no place anywhere. Definitely not on Swedish streets."
Expressen is seeking the activists behind the demonstration.